Federal Premium Launches New Hydra-Shok Deep For Self-Defense

Written by Jacki Billings

Federal Premium Ammunition prepares a new self-defense Hyrda-Shok load set to step out at SHOT Show later this month.

Hydra-Shok Deep builds on Federal’s original Hydra-Shok platform. The 9mm Luger bullet consists of a core design producing up to 50 percent deeper penetration than the original Hydra-Shok round, according to the ammo maker. Federal says the handgun ammo provides 15-inches of penetration in bare ballistics gelatin. The round’s center post has also been tweaked to deliver better performance through intermediate barriers.

“Hydra-Shok Deep reliably stops threats by controlling bullet expansion to cause significant tissue damage and penetrating deep enough to reach vital organs,” said Larry Head, director and chief engineer of handgun ammunition.

Hydra-Shok Deep depends on Federal’s primer and propellants to induce optimal performance between the round and pistol. Additionally, propellants offer flash suppressants ultimately reducing muzzle flash and minimizing momentary blindness when shooting in low-light environments.

Created in 1989 to service the growing needs of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the original Hydra-Shok bullet’s notched jacket, non lead core, and center-post-hollow-point build delivered better penetration in addition to consistent expansion, according to Federal Premium. Hydra-Shok Deep looks to continue its predecessors mission of improving consistency and depth.

“Hydra-Shok Deep offers consumers a round that results in consistent, reliable performance through typical defensive barriers and penetrates to the depth deemed optimum by the leading law-enforcement agency in the United States,” Head commented.

Federal Premium says the new Hydra-Shok Deep will enter the ammo maker’s product line in a 135-grain 9mm Luger option with more loads on the horizon; though the company isn’t ponying up any additional details. The Hydra-Shok Deep will make its official debut on the bustling floors of SHOT Show in late January.

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